Marius et Olive à Paris
Jean Epstein, FR 1935Screenplay: Jean-Michel Pagès, Jean Epstein; Cinematography: Philippe Agostini, Joseph Barth; Editing: Serge Griboff; Music: Jean Wiener; Cast: Barencey, René Sarvil, Pitouto, Laurette Clody, Micheline Cheirel, Illa Meery, Madame de Krianine, Geneviève Sorya. 35mm, bw, 67 min. French with English subtitles
Marius et Olive à Paris squarely belongs to the purely commercial segment of Jean Epstein's career, but it's also somewhat of an anomaly, this being his only proper, full-blown comedy, depicting the adventures of a Marseille couple in Paris. Epstein was reportedly unhappy with the film and only directed it so that he would be able to finance his other, more intimate cinematic pursuits, but unfortunately the film was neither a financial nor critical success and remains today largely forgotten. Regardless of this, a benevolent eye can choose to see Marius et Olive à Paris as a poignant example of Epstein's "rural sensibilities" trying to make sense of an urban setting, a funny yet primarily lyrical exploration of love and longing in the bustling streets of Paris, where provincial romance is tested by the rhythms and illusions of modernity. Despite operating on a form of autopilot, Epstein manages to capture fleeting expressions and atmospheric details of the grand city with his usual probing eye, evoking both the intimacy and alienation of city life. Epstein's use of sound here remains somewhat primitive, but it nevertheless becomes a key expressive tool, not merely to convey dialogue but also to heighten emotional texture of this brief feature. (J.-M.G.)
Courtesy Cinémathèque française
Screening dates:
Di 21.10.2025 13:30
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No reservations accepted for screenings from October 17 to 28; special ticket regulations apply during the Viennale. Tickets are available exclusively at the Viennale box offices, via telephone at 01/526 594 769 or via www.viennale.at.